Assaulted man found dead in caravan

Stuart Burns was found unresponsive at a caravan in Colne on Tuesday evening, police said

Police are trying to find out how a man died after he "had suffered a number of serious injuries during a recent assault".

Stuart Burns was found unresponsive at a caravan at Oakfield Lodge, Birchenlee Lane, Colne, at about 19:20 GMT on Tuesday, and was pronounced dead at the scene, Lancashire Police said.

The force said a post-mortem examination showed the 52-year-old had been recently assaulted, but the injuries did not cause his death.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene initially on suspicion of murder, but is now being held on suspicion of wounding and remains in custody.

Further tests

Police said an exact cause of death was yet to be established for Mr Burns and further tests would be carried out.

Det Insp Darren Irving said: "While Mr Burns' death is not being treated as a homicide, we do believe he has been the victim of an assault prior to his death where he suffered a number of injuries, and we are investigating the circumstances.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist us in our inquiries to come forward and contact police."